04/24/2010: "Boyce Scholarship Fundraiser"

A large crowd turned out Saturday for the 2nd Annual Bobby Boyce

sports and academic scholarship fundraiser, held Saturday at American Legion Post 163 in Friday Harbor. Mr. Boyce was instrumental in initiating the football program at Friday Harbor High School and was a charter member of the booster club.

A Dinner of BBQ Ribs, potato salad coleslaw was served, followed by a Raffle for prizes. The proceeds provide scholarships in the name of Bobby Boyce.

Bob graduated from Friday Harbor High School in 1942. After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy. He served in the South Pacific during WWII and was in the Aleutian Islands when his ship, The Abner Reed, was torpedoed and sank. He had been working in the engine room and as a result became covered in oil during the explosion. The oil kept him afloat and insulated against the frigid water.

After the war he began a career as a commercial fisherman. It was during this time that he met his wife, Julie. They met in Friday Harbor at a dance. They were married 6 weeks later on October 10, 1947 and were married 54 years. Bob may be the only person known who hitchhiked across Puget Sound via fishing boats to make it to his wedding on time!

In 1954, which was a very bleak year for fish, he decided to change careers. He joined the Union Oil Company (later becoming San Juan Fuel). He delivered oil and ran the fuel dock until retiring in 1982. He was an active American Legion member for over fifty years, having served in many offices, including Commander.